From its foundation in 1768 the Royal Academy of Arts has provided a voice for art and artists. We are an independent charity led by eminent artists and architects—the Royal Academicians—and we pursue our mission through exhibitions, education and debate.

Cézanne, a survey of contemporary painting practice and Veronese at the National Gallery

Cézanne, a survey of contemporary painting practice and Veronese at the National Gallery

Our pick of this week's art events

By Sam Phillips

Published 14 March 2014

From the political cartoons of Abdul Raheem Yassir to Venetian Old Masters; everything worth seeing in the world of art this week.

Cézanne and the Modern

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 13 March – 24 June 2014
Oxford’s Ashmolean presents Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art from the Pearlman Collection from this week, in an exhibition that constitutes the first display of this highly significant group of works in Europe. Cézanne is the highlight, the French master’s development examined in six oils, sixteen watercolours and two drawings – it’s a rare chance to see so many of his works together.

Welcome to Iraq

South London Gallery, 15 March – 1 June 2014
South London Gallery presents one of the highlights of last year’s Venice Biennale: ‘Welcome to Iraq’, a group exhibition that introduces a rich range of contemporary Iraqi art, from the political cartoons of Abdul Raheem Yassir, where the absurd is the weapon of choice, to films by Hareth Alhomaam and Ali Samiaa that explore the changing circumstances of interpersonal relationships between Iraqis.

Ivon Hitchens

Goldmark Gallery, Uppingham, 15 March – 29 June 2014
Ten previously unseen and evocative oils by the English painter Ivon Hitchens go on display from this weekend at Goldmark Gallery, in Uppingham, Rutland. Subtitled ‘Encounter in the Woods’, the show has an interesting backstory, as the landscape paintings on view were all given by the artist to woodcutter Ted Floate, Hitchens’ friend for more than thirty years.

Veronese: Magnificence in Renaissance Venice

The National Gallery, 19 March – 15 June 2014
And a reminder for all Old Master enthusiasts: Veronese at the National Gallery opens in the next week. Novelist and RA Magazine stalwart Sarah Dunant explains in the latest issue why she thinks the celebrated Venetian artist’s work is ‘such a thing as too much beauty’, and judging by the recent Renaissance shows around the capital, people are going to flock to experience it.

Sam Phillips is the Editor of RA Magazine. Follow Sam on Twitter @SamP_London.

Piccadilly site

Burlington Gardens site

A voice for art and artists since 1768

The Royal Academy of Arts is an independent charity and does not receive revenue funding from government. We are entirely reliant upon the support of visitors, our loyal Friends, Patrons, donors and sponsors to continue our work. Your support is our future.